If your next RV road trip takes you to the Chicago area and you’re in search of family-friendly activities while you’re in the area, head to Haunted Trails in Burbank, Illinois. As one of three locations in the area, Haunted Trails is a spooky, but not too terrifying, destination that has been beloved by locals since 1975.
Located less than 15 miles from Chicago, Haunted Trails offers all kinds of activities for a few hours or a full day of fun. Play mini-golf, race go-karts, hit the batting cages, play laser tag, or hops aboard a kid-friendly roller coaster. Attractions are designed with children in mind, but adults will have fun, too. There’s also a restaurant, event space, and prizes. Haunted Trails is Halloween-themed, but it’s not a haunted attraction, so don’t worry about getting spooked while you’re here.
After visiting Haunted Trails, head out in your RV to other Chicagoland attractions like the city itself and state parks in Illinois. From hitting the shores of Lake Michigan in the summer to venturing to nearby midwest sites like Indiana Dunes State Park (about 50 miles from Chicago), a trip to Illinois, including a stop at Haunted Trails, is the perfect RV vacation.
Haunted Trails Burbank is open year-round (hours may vary by season). There’s no cost to enter this fun attraction. You can simply pay as you go when it comes to rides, games, entertainment, and food. Individual ticket prices per attraction range from $2 to $35. Look for special packages that include multiple attractions in order to save money. Outdoor attractions are only open April through October.
Haunted Trails is located about a 45-minute drive from Chicago. Always allow extra time for traffic and plan your route around RV restrictions. If traveling from Chicago, please be aware of roads in the city that may restrict large vehicles, as well as routes with low clearance bridges (Lakeshore Drive is especially notorious for these issues).
Just like admission, parking is free and open to everyone. Contact the attraction if you are visiting during a busy weekend or time of year to find out about the best time to head over and find parking for your RV. If parking is limited, other availability in the area may be limited. As is the case with many attractions, you’ll have an easier time getting here and parking if you drive a car, but RVs are welcome.
If traveling to Haunted Trails Burbank from Chicago, you will find a number of public transportation routes that can get you close to the attraction. Public transit options from other towns may vary, and all routes are subject to delays and changes. Travelers can also count on cabs and rideshare services if you would prefer to leave your RV at your campground and let someone else do the driving.
Sadly, there is no onsite RV camping at Haunted Trails in Burbank. There is no lodging of any kind at this attraction, and the parking lot is for day-use only, so no boondocking. Look for RV campgrounds near Chicago as well as in neighboring Midwestern states like Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Chicago is not a super RV-friendly city, but don’t let that deter you from visiting Haunted Trails and the surrounding area. Make RV camping plans in advance at locations like Kankakee River State Park. Consider the Chicago Northwest KOA, which is 65 miles from Haunted Trails. Other RV camping options can be found in Yorkville, Waukegan, Crown Point, and in the towns and cities surrounding Lake Michigan.
Haunted Trails Burbank is located on a 3.5-acre area. Visitors get around on foot. This is a mostly open-air park that is accessible via wheelchair; however, bicycles, scooters, and other non-essential items may not be allowed inside. Keep in mind that rainy, snowy, or otherwise unpleasant weather may result in closures or just a need to bundle up while visiting.
Dress casually for a day of rides and games in an indoor and outdoor setting. Bring jeans or shorts depending on the season, comfortable shoes for walking, hats, and sunglasses if visiting during the summer, and warm or waterproof layers if visiting during the cooler months. As there are both urban adventures and wilderness adventures nearby, you may want to bring both hiking clothes and something nice to throw on for dinner in Chicago.
Bring RV essentials, including camping chairs, cooking utensils, and warm bedding, but remember that some locations will have rules about only using local firewood. Pack playing cards, games, or whatever else you’d like for RV camping entertainment, and don’t forget a small bag that can fit your wallet and phone inside for your time at Haunted Trails in Burbank.
Pack all of your toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap) plus over-the-counter necessities such as aspirin and band-aids. For more crowded, urban-area campgrounds, you may want earplugs for better sleeping. Don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray for the summer or plenty of warm layers for the rest of the year. Extra drinking water is also always a smart idea while on the road.
Cooking options vary by campground, especially if you're parking your RV in a state or national park as opposed to a private campground near Chicago. Check with your campsite before buying fuel or firewood. Stock up on groceries in Chicago at your choice of grocery stores. There are stores selling RV supplies in the area as well.
Burbank is home to several restaurants including chains and local spots. Look for cafes, tacos shops, barbecue joints, and more. Expect cheaper prices than you might find closer to the metro area. If you want more variety, head into Chicago where deep-dish pizza reigns supreme, but other culinary delights satisfy as well.
While visiting Haunted Trails, you can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant. Choose from casual fare including sandwiches, salads, and desserts. And don't forget about the prizes you'll win for playing games. Cash and credit cards are accepted. There are also ATMs on-site.
The staff at Haunted Trails works hard to ensure that everyone has a safe and happy experience. As such, some items, including outside food and beverages, are not allowed inside. Security screenings may occur, especially on busy days and during special events.
The weather varies greatly by season in Burbank. You may find yourself throwing warm coats in your RV or packing a swimsuit for a trip to the beach. Expect warm weather in the summer, including daytime temperatures in the 80s and nighttime temperatures in the 60s. Winter brings chilly days that hover just above freezing. Outdoor attractions are open April through October. Indoor attractions are open year-round. Rain may cause ride closures.
The closest hospital to Haunted Trails is located just three miles away in Burbank. There are additional medical facilities in Chicago and the surrounding communities. You'll also find plenty of pharmacies and grocery stores where you can fill prescriptions and stock up on other essentials.
